Aug 8, 2025 — France is battling its worst wildfire in nearly 80 years, as flames continue to tear through the Aude region in the country south. The fire has destroyed more than 16,000 hectares of land an area one-and-a-half times the size of Paris.
One person has died, three are missing, and two others, including a firefighter, are in critical condition. Hundreds of firefighters have been working around the clock for three days, but the blaze remains out of control.
The fire started Tuesday near the Mediterranean, about 100 km from the Spanish border and spread quickly due to hot, dry winds. Drone footage shows blackened forests and thick smoke covering the skies. Officials say it is the largest wildfire France has seen since 1949.
Christophe Magny leading the firefighting operation, said crews are doing everything possible and hope to make progress soon. The Environment Minister noted that while the fire is still dangerous, it is now spreading more slowly.
Adding to the challenge, weather experts have warned that a new heatwave could hit southern France from Friday, making the fight even harder. Scientists link such extreme wildfires to rising global temperatures, which are causing hotter, drier conditions across Europe.
Impact
The fire has forced evacuations, destroyed wildlife habitats, and damaged farmland. Experts warn that without stronger climate action and better land management, such massive wildfires could become more frequent in the future.